Simple Stitches: Sewing 25 Projects for the New Stitcher **Book Review**

Simple Stitches Sewing

25 Projects for the New Stitcher

by Cheryl Owen

Lark Crafts / Sterling Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-60059-905-7

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Simple Stitches: the needlearts series for the modern beginner!
New sewers can be stitching in no time, building their skills to create any of 25 fabulous projects. With the help of informative how-to-photography, novices can learn the basic techniques, from using templates to adding binding and piping. Projects include simple home décor items (such as cushions and a cheery buttoned blind) to thoughtful gifts (like a potpourri sachet and a journal cover).

CHERYL OWEN is an author and experienced crafter, dressmaker, fashion designer, and embroiderer. She lives in the UK.

The latest in the “Simple Stitches” series focuses on basic projects for machine sewing. Owen (Candle Making) collects projects for a variety of housewares and accessories and provides step-by-step photographs to boost beginners’ confidence. Though the projects are aimed at beginners and the sewing is simple, the finished goods are attractive. - Library Journal

Additional Resources:
Lark Crafts

Stash Happy Patchwork by Cynthia Shaffer **Sewing Book Review**

Stash Happy Patchwork

25 sewing projects for fabric lovers

by Cynthia Shaffer

Lark Crafts / Sterling Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-60059-612-4

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Lark's new Stash Happy series is the cure for the crafter's dilemma: what to do with all those scraps and leftover fabric, felt, and yarn, beads! Each book is full of know-how, fun ideas, and super-cute projects-and the series kicks off with Patchwork, one of today's hottest sewing and quilting trends. The collection offers inspiring twists on classic favorites plus practical items for the home, including a patchy panda doll, pieced cactus pincushion, or a set of nesting patchwork bowls.

CYNTHIA SHAFFER currently lives in ORANGE, CALIFORNIA, with her husband, two sons, and dogs.

Resource Links:
Binding Tutorial w/ Cynthia Shaffer
Hexagon Tutorial w/ Cynthia Shaffer

Dozens of Ways to Repurpose Scarves **Review, 5 STARS!**

Dozens of Ways to Repurpose Scarves

by Nathalie Mornu

Lark Crafts / Sterling Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-60059-777-0

My Review:

From the Publisher:

It's like magic! With an abracadabra and 30 simple projects, crafters can transform almost any scarf into a luxe pillow, plush bunny, breezy curtains, and other wonderful things. A basics section explains all the techniques, how-to-illustrations serve as a guide, and, where necessary, templates are included.

5 STARS!!

Three new vintage pattern for childrens!

New patterns for girls in my eco kids shop!

De nouveaux patrons vintage pour la couture sont maintenant en ligne dans la boutique de fourniture et patrons a.n.i.m.é.

The first one is a 1960's Simplicity pattern for girl jumper and blouse.  It also include a skirt pattern.  Size 4. 

Le premier est un patron de grandeur 4. Vous pourrez réaliser un jumper, une jupe et/ou une blouse des années 60.  

And there is a pretty 1970's pattern for girl's bathing suit, bikini and cover-up in two lengths.  Size 14.

Tout droit des années 1970, un joli bikini, un costume de bain et une robe soleil en deux longueurs! De grandeurs 14.

The last one is gorgeous!  Make lovely jumper or dress with this 60's vintage pattern.  Girl Size 14.

Et on termine en beauté avec ce jumper et/ou une jolie robe des années 1960. Un joli modèle qui est toujours d'actualité! Le patron est disponible en grandeur 14.

All these and more are available in my zibbet shop, in the Kids Vintage Pattern section.

Ces patrons sont disponible dans la section Patrons Vintage de la boutique de founiture a.n.i.m.é.

Handmade Top 10 List of Sewing Patterns

Top 10 de patrons de couture sur Etsy

Discover these gorgeous Patterns and maybe you'll want to rate them!  Only two day left for voting!

Découvez ces très jolis patron et peut-être que vous voudrez les évaluer/voter pour eux!  Il reste deux jours pour le vote!

Signature Styles

Signature Styles

by Jenny Doh

Lark Crafts / Sterling Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-60059-791-6

*this book was given to me by the publisher*



My Review:

From the Publisher:
Twenty top stitchers take readers on an exclusive tour of their homes and studios-graciously offering their signature techniques and a step-by-step project along the way.

This unique book presents informational, inspirational profiles of creative and crafty women, complete with stunning images of them surrounded by the style components that define their work and art. The profilees include such best-selling authors such as Betz White, Kayte Terry, Megan Nicolay, and Kathy Cano Murillo as well as popular bloggers such as Heather Bailey.

~XOXO~

What to do with a Formal Living Room. My Craft Room!

**warning, picture overload!**

Before (as a formal living room):

After:










Byron's Desk:










Getting Power to the Island:
I had an electrical outlet added to the ceiling since my house is built on slab. This was way cheaper than busting up concrete and I don't have to drape electrical cords to the wall outlets.



*Sorry about the cat being in the photos, she is one of these cats that you don't mess with when they are relaxing. Unless you want to lose a finger or two!

Resource Guide:

Rugs: Ikea

Stools: Overstock

Cabinets: Home Depot

Countertop: Formica

Canvas Baskets: Walmart

Knobs & Pulls: knobdepot.com (I ended up spray painting them because the color does not look like the photo and I had to order special screws to fit my drawers...a real pain!!) The round knobs are cheapies from Home Depot.

Bulletin Board: Beachbrights

Desk Chair: Ikea

Desk Legs (Byron's Desk): Ikea, not online, vika fintorp

Shelves & Brackets: Ikea: The wood shelves came unfinished from Ikea, not online.

Paint: Behr Black (not sure, but very black)

Curtains/Rods: Ikea (I still need to make these look better!!)

Island: Byron made with base cabinets from Home Depot, Bead Board Paneling attached to the back and Fence Posts for legs.

Anyone want to come over and craft/sew with me?

XOXO


Linked to Get Your Craft On, A Beach Cottage, My Girlish Whims

New! Vintage patterns for kids

I listed three vintage patterns for children in my shop!

1960's Simplicity 7923 Pattern for girl's skirt, pants and jacket, uncut

1970's McCall's 6040 Pattern for girl's dress or top, uncut

1990's McCall's 8869 Pattern for children's clown costumes, uncut

They are in good condition and patterns are uncut - all pieces and instructions are included.

 Ready to make pretty sewing project!!

More vintage finds for kids in my shop: http://www.zibbet.com/AnnyMay

Clothespin Apron ~One Yard Wonders~

If you like to sew quick, fun and easy projects...then buy this book. I reviewed the book last year and have enjoyed sewing from it!  Today I made a clothespin apron for my new retractable clothespin. Please don't tip off my HOA. The clothespin is behind our fence, I promise you can't see it from the front of the house :)

The project only took one yard of fabric and 1 hour to complete (not including cut out time). Now go out and buy the book. You will not be disappointed.

Resources:

Flickr Group: One Yard Wonders

Facebook Group

Storey Publishing

Google Books

~XOXO~

*The book was originally given to me by the publisher but this post originates from me and is in "no way" associated with the publisher and it's affiliates.* How's that for disclosure? Have a great weekend...I am headed here for some R&R.

This week in my studio...

I worked on warm clothes!!!

We begin the coldest months here... so I'm inspired!!!

;)

I'm starting slowly; I'm making inventory and check all my prices....

I hope this will be done soon!

Pullovers will be available soon in my shop

Have a nice and creative week!...

2011 Resolutions #1

My first New Years Resolution for 2011 is to craft and sew more.  Here is a list of some of the projects I am just dying to try!

1. Turn rusty pans into storage.

2. Make these for some addicted friends.

3. Keep my car cleaner with this.

4. Make these for Max's Valentine classroom gifts.

5. Everyone with baby teeth is getting one of these.

6. Oh summer, how I miss thee.

7. Father's Day Idea.

8. Cute!

9. Next year's Christmas gifts.

10. Sweet!

11. More clothes sewing.

12. How fun!

13. I have 25 baskets just waiting for these tags.

14. Love this!

15. Bead Board...need I say more?

16. I have so many uses for this little bag.

17. I hope to craft my way through the holidays this year.

18. My walls need art work like this.

19. My apron sink needs this :)

20. Am I the last person on earth who has not made tissue flowers?

21. More gifts.

22. Sew simple.

23. I am just dying to make a little zipper bag.

24. See #11

This completes my first 2011 Resolution of "Crafting & Sewing" more.  I can't wait to get started. Stay tuned for Resolution #2.

~XOXO~